Clyde Rathbone, who retired from rugby three years ago, has signed a one-year deal with the Brumbies.

The 31-year-old has spent the past few weeks training with his old Super Rugby side in a bid to win a contract.

‘Clyde’s presented himself in perfect physical condition,’ said backs coach and former team-mate Stephen Larkham. ‘He’s stronger than he ever was, he’s almost as quick as he was and [Brumbies conditioning coach] Dean Benton thinks he can get even quicker. The signs are there.’

Rathbone was initially asked to consider a return earlier this year by Brumbies coach Jake White (Rathone captained the SA U21 side in 2002 when White was coach). While he turned it down at the time, Rathbone said the idea of a comeback stayed with him.

‘It’s the start of something and just an awesome opportunity,’ he said. ‘I’m very excited about getting involved again.’